AEP Medicare 2026: What to Expect and How to Prepare for 2027

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also known as Fall Open Enrollment, is your yearly chance to change your Medicare health and drug plans. During this time in 2026, you can choose the coverage you want for the upcoming 2027 year.

Understanding Medicare rules can feel like a lot to take in. There are many dates and different parts to remember, which can be confusing. This guide is here to help. We have broken down the 2026 updates so you can make the best choices for your health and your budget without the stress.

When does AEP start in 2026?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7. This is the main window for anyone on Medicare to join, switch, or drop a health or drug plan. It is important to mark these dates on your calendar. Any changes you make during this period will officially take effect on January 1, 2027.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment 2026 Dates

If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you actually get a chance to make a one-time change if you aren't happy with your choice. This is called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. It runs from January 1 to March 31, 2027. During this time, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.

Can I change Medicare plans after December 7?

You can change Medicare plans after December 7, but only under specific circumstances. Most people must wait until the next year to make changes after the December 7 deadline. However, there are two main ways you can still update your coverage:

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: As mentioned above, if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one change between January 1 and March 31.

• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): You can usually only change plans outside of the standard dates if you have a qualifying life event. This includes things like moving to a new state, moving into a nursing home, or losing your current health insurance.

Did you miss the Fall Open Enrollment Period? Learn what to do next.

2026 Medicare Advantage Plan Changes

Medicare Advantage plans can change every year. For 2026, experts predict that new government funding rules may lead some plans to change. This could mean a reduction in extra perks—like dental, vision, or hearing coverage—or an increase in your monthly costs.

Because of these potential changes, it is important not to let your plan auto-renew without looking at the details. Even if you like your current plan, the costs and benefits might be different.

Medicare Advantage Plan Comparison 2026

To prepare for the 2026 enrollment period, you should receive an "Annual Notice of Change" from your current provider. Review this notice and use this simple 3-step checklist to compare it against other options:

• Check Your Coctors: Make sure your favorite doctors, specialists, and hospitals are still in the plan’s network.

• Check Your Prescriptions: Look at the plan's "formulary" (drug list) to see if your regular medications are still covered and what they will cost.

• Compare Total Costs: Look beyond the monthly premium. Compare the total out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and copays.
  
  

Changes to Medicare Drug Costs in 2026

New legal limits on drug costs are coming in 2026, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. These rules are designed to help lower your pharmacy costs. Read more about how prescription drug prices are changing.

A few key things to know for 2026:

• Deductible Limit: The maximum standard Part D deductible is $615 in 2026. Compare Prescription Drug plans here.

• Payment Plans: There is now a Medicare Prescription Payment Plan option. This allows you to spread your pharmacy bills throughout the year instead of paying a large amount at once at the pharmacy counter.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Medicare

Individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have historically been eligible to enroll in Original Medicare but prohibited from enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans without special qualifications. As of 2021, all ESRD patients are eligible to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans for the first time due to a lift in restrictions by The 21st Century Cures Act.

Learn more about the Medicare changes for ESRD patients.

Learn more about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period with SelectQuote.

SelectQuote’s licensed insurance agents can help you compare available Medicare Advantage plan options in just minutes. We help you choose Medicare plan coverage that fits your needs—and stay with you year-round to support you as your needs or plan options change. The service is free, and there’s no obligation to enroll.